By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The town is going through the steps to extend the Westport Astronomical Society’s lease another five years.

The WAS uses town facilities at 182 Bayberry Lane, behind the headquarters of the Aspetuck Health District. The town owns the property.

The Astronomical Society has occupied the property, a former Army Nike missile installation, since 1975. Also part of the society on site is amateur radio station K1WAS, a weather station that reports to Weather Underground and a USGS seismometer.

sharing the space is an amateur radio club. A weather station also is on site.

The lease would be $100 a year. There is no security deposit.

“The previous lease was also for five (5) years,” A memo from Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug states. “During the course of its tenancy, the Astronomical Society has and will continue to be responsible for all maintenance, repairs and capital improvements at no expense to the Town.”

An 8-24 is being sought by the Planning and Zoning Commission, which reviews such requests for improvements to municipal properties.

The society, every Wednesday after 8 p.m., holds public viewing nights for the public.

“These public nights are open to everyone of all ages and experiences and are a great way to experience firsthand what we are all about,” the group’s website reads.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 36 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.